Name: Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ pound ground Italian chicken sausage; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 3 cups roughly chopped cabbage; 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 2 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 cup chicken stock; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for serving; ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 135 reviews

If you’re hunting for a weeknight dinner that’s effortless, hearty, and downright delicious, you’re going to adore this Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how the juicy sausage mingles with tender cabbage and creamy white beans—all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of those go-to meals you make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknights when you want a comforting meal without fuss.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor—everything cooks together for easy cleanup.
Healthy & Satisfying: Lean sausage, fiber-rich beans, and vitamin-packed cabbage make a balanced dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this recipe every time I make it—it’s always a hit!

A white bowl filled with a colorful dish that has three main layers: the bottom layer is light green cabbage pieces, the middle layer is a mix of beige white beans and small brown cooked meat chunks, and the top layer has bright red cherry tomatoes and fresh dark green parsley sprinkled all over, with a few slices of light yellow garlic and black pepper visible on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small white dishes nearby holding chopped parsley and black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet, hearty weeknight dinner, one-pan sausage and cabbage, healthy skillet recipes, easy sausage casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a nourishing role here, combining to give you a rich blend of flavors and textures. You’ll find that fresh thyme and Italian parsley bring brightness, while the beans add creamy comfort. When shopping, I recommend fresh cabbage with crisp leaves and good-quality olive oil—it really makes a difference!

Flat lay of ground Italian chicken sausage links, a handful of bright red cherry tomatoes on the vine, a small heap of roughly chopped pale green cabbage, two whole garlic bulbs with several thinly sliced cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of white cannellini beans, fresh green thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl with golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear chicken stock, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, and a small pile of chopped fresh Italian parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet, hearty weeknight dinner, one-pan sausage and cabbage, healthy skillet recipes, easy sausage casserole

Extra-virgin olive oil: I always pick a fruity, high-quality olive oil to get that lovely depth from sautéing.
Ground Italian chicken sausage: It’s leaner than pork but just as flavorful—feel free to swap for pork or turkey sausage if you prefer.
Cherry tomatoes: Use ripe, vibrant tomatoes—they blister beautifully and add a bit of sweetness.
Chopped cabbage: I like green cabbage for its mild flavor; you can try savoy for a softer texture.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to release that wonderful aroma without overpowering the dish.
Cannellini beans: These creamy white beans blend perfectly—just rinse and drain canned beans for convenience.
Fresh thyme leaves: Fresh is best here to enhance the savory notes.
Chicken stock: Adds moisture and depth; homemade is great, but store-bought works fine too.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasonings to tie all the flavors together.
Chopped fresh Italian parsley: I sprinkle this on at the end for a fresh, herby finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. You can easily make it your own with a few simple swaps and additions!

Spicy twist: Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking gives it a punch I personally adore.
Vegetarian option: Replace sausage with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Seasonal switch-up: Swap cabbage for kale or spinach when in season, which adds a different texture and nutrient boost.
Grain bowl base: Serve the skillet over cooked quinoa or farro for extra heartiness.

How to Make Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add your ground Italian chicken sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown nicely—this should take about 8 minutes. Browning the sausage properly is key for flavor, so resist stirring too often to let those delicious caramelized bits form. When done, transfer the sausage to a plate to rest and keep that skillet ready for the next step.

Step 2: Blister the Cherry Tomatoes and Sauté the Cabbage

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat it until it’s glistening. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook them undisturbed for about 4 minutes so they blister and sweeten. Then stir in the chopped cabbage and sliced garlic. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens just a bit and the garlic releases its lovely fragrance—about 2 minutes. This brief sauté keeps the cabbage tender-crisp, which I prefer for texture.

Step 3: Add Beans, Herbs, and Stock

Now stir in the rinsed cannellini beans, fresh thyme leaves, and chicken stock. Let everything cook for about 3 minutes until the beans are warmed through and the flavors start to meld. This step adds moisture and a touch of earthiness that makes the skillet so comforting.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the browned sausage to the skillet and season the whole dish with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine and heat through for another minute or two. Finish off by sprinkling your chopped fresh Italian parsley on top just before serving—this burst of color and freshness really brightens the flavors.

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Pro Tips for Making Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet Recipe

Don’t Rush Browning: Let the sausage sit and brown in the pan without stirring too much to get that deep, caramelized flavor I love.
Blister Tomatoes Undisturbed: Resist the urge to stir tomatoes early; those blistered bits add a sweet, smoky note that’s worth the wait.
Use Fresh Herbs: Thyme and parsley really boost flavor—in my experience, dried just doesn’t compare here.
Season at the End: Adding salt and pepper at the end helps prevent over-seasoning and keeps each flavor distinct.

How to Serve Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet Recipe

A dark green bowl filled with a colorful mix of white beans, red cherry tomatoes, cooked green cabbage pieces, and small brown cooked meat chunks, all topped with chopped fresh green herbs and black pepper. A silver spoon with a green handle is in the bowl, resting on the food. Next to the bowl is a small white plate with chopped green herbs and part of another bowl with crushed seasoning. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet, hearty weeknight dinner, one-pan sausage and cabbage, healthy skillet recipes, easy sausage casserole

Garnishes

I usually finish this skillet with a generous sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley for that fresh pop of green and a good crack of black pepper. Sometimes I like a dash of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice if I want to brighten the whole dish even more. These simple garnishes really elevate it from everyday to “wow.”

Side Dishes

While this skillet stands wonderfully on its own, I sometimes serve it with crusty bread to soak up all the juices. If you want something heartier, a simple side of creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes works like a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this skillet family-style right at the table, in a nice cast-iron pan. It feels warm and inviting, and the colors pop beautifully. You can also plate it over grains or pasta for a more composed look that guests will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this skillet keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. In my experience, the flavors even deepen overnight, making next-day lunches a treat. Just be sure to cool it before storing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times without any issues. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, it reheats beautifully and still tastes like you just made it fresh, which makes it an excellent meal prep option.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen things up and keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Either way, the texture stays fantastic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While I use Italian chicken sausage for a leaner option, you can substitute pork, turkey, or even vegan sausage according to your preference. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using raw sausage links instead of ground.
Is it okay to use dried beans instead of canned?

You can use dried cannellini beans if you soak and cook them beforehand. Just keep in mind that canned beans are a huge time-saver and work perfectly for this skillet without altering the texture or taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and chicken stock don’t have added gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check labels to be safe.
How can I add more veggies to this dish?

You can toss in sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale along with the cabbage to boost the veggie content. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—denser veggies like bell peppers may need a couple extra minutes to soften.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage, Cabbage and White Bean Skillet Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s comforting, nutritious, and so versatile. I remember the first time I made it, my family couldn’t get enough—I’ve been cooking and sharing it ever since. If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’ve got to try this. Seriously, cook it once, and I bet you’ll keep coming back to it just like I do.